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Alapocas Run State Park: Wilmington's Natural Escape

Discover nature, history, and recreation in the heart of Wilmington at Alapocas Run State Park, featuring trails, rock climbing, and the Blue Ball Barn.

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Alapocas Run State Park, nestled in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a city park and granite quarry, it features mature woodlands, the Brandywine River, and the historic Blue Ball Barn, now home to the Delaware Folk Art Collection. It's a place for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying accessible playgrounds.

A brief summary to Alapocas Run State Park

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Blue Ball Barn to explore the Delaware Folk Art Collection and learn about the area's agricultural history.
  • Hike or bike the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, which connects to other parks and offers scenic overlooks.
  • Enjoy a picnic near the Can-Do Playground, an accessible play area for children of all abilities.
  • Try rock climbing on Delaware's only publicly accessible natural rock climbing wall.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Concord Pike (US-202) and Foulk Road (DE-141), head south on Foulk Road. Turn left onto W Park Dr. and follow the road into the park. Walking from here to various attractions like the Blue Ball Barn or Can-Do Playground is easily done within 5-15 minutes. No cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    The DART First State bus Route 13 stops near Alapocas Run State Park on Concord Pike. From the bus stop, walk west on W Park Dr to enter the park. A single ride on DART First State buses costs $2.00.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take the US-202 N/Concord Pike exit. Follow Concord Pike and turn left onto W Park Dr. Follow the road into the park. Parking is available in designated lots. A daily entrance fee of $4 for DE registered vehicles and $8 for out-of-state vehicles is charged from March 1 to November 30. Annual passes are available for $35 (DE residents) and $70 (non-residents).

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Discover more about Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park, a 359-acre oasis in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, provides a unique escape where natural resources meet industrial history. The park's story began in the early 1900s when William Poole Bancroft donated land to the city of Wilmington, envisioning open space for the expanding city. This land, combined with a donation facilitated by Bancroft from Alfred I. du Pont, formed the initial park, then known as Alapocas Woods. Over the years, the park expanded, incorporating a former granite quarry that supplied stone for local landmarks like the Brandywine Park walls and Rockford Tower. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this quarry and even try rock climbing on Delaware's only natural rock climbing wall. A highlight of Alapocas Run is the Blue Ball Barn, a historic dairy barn built in 1914 by Alfred I. du Pont. Named after a nearby tavern and meeting house, the barn provided food for the Nemours estate until 1943. Today, the LEED-certified barn houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection and serves as an event space. Alapocas Run also features the Can-Do Playground, Delaware's first all-abilities playground, and the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, a National Recreation Trail that connects to other parks in the region. With over 5 miles of trails, mature woodlands, and the Brandywine River, Alapocas Run State Park offers a variety of activities for all ages and abilities.

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